You can't get drunk from beer. You don't believe me? Vodka, maybe

Russian teacher

From the rivers to the city's ponds and fountains, all have been crowded with revellers enjoying these rare months of sun.

But there is also a darker side.

Official figures show that in July alone, 263 people died in Moscow's rivers, making a total of 300 deaths so far this summer.

No swimming

It is a horrific number, which the authorities put down to a lethal mix of alcohol, bravado and sheer stupidity.

Large warning signs saying 'No swimming' in more dangerous parts of the waters are surrounded by bathers, happily sipping their beer and vodka.

Even warnings from the lifeguards seem to make little difference.

Most Muscovites are convinced they won't be the unlucky ones.

Even former President Yeltsin was known to like a drink

"I think it all depends on the person," says one young man, next to a pile of discarded Botchkaryev beer bottles.

"Of course you'll drown if you're drunk. But if a person has any self-respect, he won't drown. I've had a swim and now I'm having a beer so I won't be swimming any more."

A teacher who has brought her students with her to the beach is also settling down for a well-earned beer before she swims.

"That's not alcohol!" she says wide-eyed. "You can't get drunk from beer. You don't believe me? Vodka, maybe - but not from beer!"

Occasionally a rescue boat motors past, patrolling the shore.

The service is overstretched and under-funded.

Another body

Lifeguard Vitaly Yakimov patrols the coast as often as he can, but some days he doesn't have enough money for petrol for the boat.

"We're used to working to a strict budget," he says ,"but all these unexpected rescue operations this year mean we're way overspent and that causes problems."

Vitaly is summoned back by radio - another body has been found nearby.

He shrugs his shoulders when asked why so many people are drowning this year.

"You can't get drunk from beer"

"They're drunk," he says curtly, "and unlike people in other countries, they take no notice of signs that say 'no swimming'."

Some people here, such as Dr Lynn Stadnyuk from the international SOS clinic, believe the only answer is to ban alcohol from the beach.

But she admits it's unlikely to happen. "Alcohol is very much a part of social life here, and it has been for generations. Russians are very hospitable, and here alcohol is seen as something you share with your friends when you want to relax."

It seems the authorities are fighting a losing battle.

Alcohol is too much a part of Russian life - so all they can do is issue warnings, and watch in despair as they are ignored.